In 2024, the Rationale magazine had another big year of publishing high-quality articles on a wide range of important topics, while reaching thousands of readers across Australia and the world.
So let’s take a look at the 10 articles that resonated most with our readers – according to our readership data.
In 2025, Rationale will continue to help serve the mission of the Rationalist Society of Australia by providing a platform for rationalist thinkers to share their opinions on important issues. See below to find out how you can support Rationale or contribute your own articles or letters.
Here are the top reads for 2024:
1. What to expect when leaving a cult or toxic group
In August, Clare Heath-McIvor – a former member of her family’s Christian dominionist church – wrote about the psycho-emotional strains one experiences when leaving a cult, high-control religion or toxic group, and the many other challenges they face.
2. Reaching the mountain tops in Tom Tate’s kingdom
In March, Si Gladman – Editor of Rationale and Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia – investigated the “kingdom assignments” of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and his ratepayer-funded “spiritual advisor” and Seven Mountain Mandate advocate Sue Baynes.
3. If you want peace in Palestine, don’t start from here!
In January, Ian Robinson, President Emeritus of the Rationalist Society of Australia, wrote on the Israel-Hamas conflict and the two radically different perceptions of what has occurred over the last 100 years in the so-called Holy Land.
4. Jordan Peterson, Greg Sheridan and the Christian myth
In March, Paul Monk, Fellow of the Rationalist Society of Australia, examined the differing views of Australian columnist Greg Sheridan and psychologist, author, and media commentator Jordan Peterson on Christian biblical stories, and how these positions overlapped at Peterson’s Association for Responsible Citizenship.
5. Anzac Day: Misconceptions and the real meaning of commemoration
In April, James Fodor reflected on Australia’s involvement in the Gallipoli campaign of World War I and the misconceptions about Anzac Day commemorations.
6. Why I’m speaking out about discrimination in Christian schools
In March, David Patterson – a former staff member in the Christian Schools Australia network – wrote on how discrimination had been institutionalised in faith-based schools, enabled through exemptions to anti-discrimination laws and funded by the taxpayer.
7. The dismissal: Truth at last
In January, Geoffrey Barker wrote about the investigative work of Professor Jenny Hocking in revealing a conspiracy involving Queen Elizabeth II and others to support and encourage Governor-General Sir John Kerr’s dismissal of the Whitlam government.
8. When my church joined an international cult
In April, Rhys Hagan recounted his personal story of returning to his family’s church after time in the military only to find it had joined a radical, international network that sought to indoctrinate the broader community.
9. Think again about America’s decline and the emerging new order
In March, Paul Monk, as part of our ‘Mulling over America’ feature series, responded to claims that America was in relative, and even, absolute decline, and that the world was heading for a better multipolar world order.
10. The psychology behind irrational opinions
In April, Manfred Kets de Vries examined how helping others recognise their cognitive biases could help them avoid the pitfalls of stupidity and nurture a more thoughtful and informed society.
How to get the most out of Rationale in 2025
If you enjoy reading Rationale, there are many ways to access our articles and contribute to the content we publish.
- Become a member of the Rationalist Society of Australia to gain access to all articles (only members can access to the Letters to the Editor column).
- Respond to an article or contribute to the debates in our monthly Letters to the Editor column.
- Have a monthly digest of articles delivered straight to your inbox. Simply sign up via the form at the bottom of the Rationale home page.
- Want to have an article published on Rationale? Check out the ‘Publishing Guidelines’ to find out how.
- Be alerted to new articles via the RSA Weekly email or via the Rationalist Society of Australia’s Facebook, X or Bluesky accounts.
- Original articles are also published on Substack. You can subscribe to Rationale on Substack here.
Published 31 December 2024.
